Additional Coverage:
- Priced out of Austin, he bought a one-way ticket out of the US. Now, he lives on a Thai island for a fraction of the cost. (businessinsider.com)
Austin’s Loss is Koh Samui’s Gain: Tech Worker Trades Rat Race for Island Life
Mike Holp, 38, once a struggling food delivery driver in Austin, Texas, now enjoys a laid-back life on the tropical island of Koh Samui, Thailand. Despite holding a computer science degree, Holp found himself stuck in a cycle of long hours just to make ends meet in the increasingly expensive Texan city.
“I was working just to get by,” Holp recalls, a sentiment that resonated with many Austinites facing rising living costs. In 2019, he decided to make a drastic change. Using savings from his delivery job and a side hustle in real estate photography, he purchased a one-way ticket to Asia.
After exploring Bali and Singapore, Holp found himself drawn to Thailand. He lived in several areas before settling in Koh Samui, a decision influenced by his fiancée, Mary, who works at a local school. The island’s slower pace proved more appealing than the hustle of Bangkok.
Finding a home was surprisingly easy. Their current one-bedroom residence, a modern, elevated structure, was found on Facebook Marketplace and costs a mere $600 per month.
While learning some Thai, Holp finds that English is widely spoken in this tourist haven. Connecting with other expats has also been simple thanks to a large online community.
Holp’s daily routine is a far cry from his Austin days. He starts by taking Mary to work, followed by a beach walk and a workout at an outdoor gym located on a picturesque islet connected to the mainland.
He then works from home, managing his photography and consulting businesses, including one that assists others looking to relocate to Thailand. This flexible schedule allows him to pursue hobbies like exploring the island on his motorbike.
Living costs in Koh Samui are significantly lower than in Austin. Holp and his fiancée spend between $1,500 and $1,800 monthly, including groceries and frequent, affordable meals out.
He estimates a similar lifestyle in Austin would cost five times as much. This lower cost of living allows him to pursue passion projects without the constant stress of financial pressures.
Beyond the financial benefits, Holp appreciates the warm weather, friendly locals, and the sense of safety he feels in Koh Samui. “I don’t even worry about locking the door,” he says, a stark contrast to his concerns back in Austin. While he misses his family and friends, and admits to a slight pang for American car culture, he has found a fulfilling life in Thailand, a world away from the rat race he left behind.